Path to settlement (ILR)

How Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain and eventually British citizenship — including the major changes planned for April 2026.

Last updated: February 2026

What is Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR)?

Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR), also known as settled status or permanent residence, gives you the right to live and work in the UK without any immigration restrictions. Once you have ILR, you no longer need a visa, you can work in any job, and you can access public funds.

ILR is also the gateway to British citizenship — after holding ILR for 12 months, you can apply to naturalise as a British citizen (subject to additional requirements).

Official source: GOV.UK — Indefinite Leave to Remain

Current requirements (before April 2026)

Under the current rules, Skilled Worker visa holders can apply for ILR after meeting these conditions:

Continuous residence

5 years on the Skilled Worker (or former Tier 2) route

Absences

No more than 180 days outside the UK in any 12-month period

Salary

Must be earning at least the applicable threshold at the time of application

English language

B1 level (currently — changing to B2, see below)

Life in the UK test

Must pass the Life in the UK test

No criminal convictions

Must not have relevant unspent convictions

Employer still sponsoring

Must still be employed by a licensed sponsor at time of application

Official source: GOV.UK — Skilled Worker ILR

Major changes from April 2026

The Immigration White Paper (May 2025) proposed significant changes to settlement rules. A public consultation ran until 12 February 2026, and changes are expected to begin from April 2026. Key proposals:

Longer qualifying period

The path to ILR may extend from 5 years to 10 years for standard Skilled Worker visa holders. Some categories (refugees, high-skilled workers) may retain 5-7 year paths, while others could face up to 15 or even 30 years.

Higher English requirement

English language for settlement is expected to rise from B1 to B2, matching the new requirement for visa applications since January 2026.

Income requirement

Applicants may need to demonstrate personal income of at least £12,570 per year for 3-5 consecutive years before applying for ILR.

"Earned settlement" model

The government is introducing a points-based earned settlement system. Factors like community volunteering, tax contributions, and English proficiency could affect the qualifying period.

Retrospective application

The government has proposed applying new rules to everyone currently in the UK who has not yet received ILR — meaning even those approaching their 5-year mark may face longer waits.

These are proposals, not yet law

The settlement rule changes require amendments to the Immigration Rules. Final decisions will follow the consultation. Some elements may be modified before implementation. Check GOV.UK for the latest confirmed rules.

Official source: House of Commons Library — Immigration White Paper changes

From ILR to British citizenship

Once you have held ILR for at least 12 months, you can apply to naturalise as a British citizen. Requirements include:

Held ILR for at least 12 months
Lived in the UK for at least 5 years before application
Not been outside the UK for more than 450 days in the last 5 years
Not been outside the UK for more than 90 days in the last 12 months
Passed the Life in the UK test (if not already passed for ILR)
Met the English language requirement
Be of good character

Official source: GOV.UK — Apply for citizenship with ILR

TSL workers and settlement

Workers sponsored in Temporary Shortage List roles (RQF 3-5) can still accumulate qualifying time towards ILR. However, the path may be more complex because TSL entries expire in December 2026. If your occupation is removed from the TSL, you would need to switch to a role at RQF 6+ to continue accruing time towards settlement.

Time spent on other qualifying visas (such as a previous Tier 2 General visa) counts towards the 5-year continuous residence requirement, which could shorten the remaining period with your current employer.

Start your UK career today

The sooner you start on a Skilled Worker visa, the sooner the clock begins on your path to settlement. JobWizard AI helps you find the right visa-sponsored role to begin that journey.

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Disclaimer: This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute immigration or legal advice. Always refer to GOV.UK and consult a qualified immigration advisor.